Limited production resumes at XL Foods plant

That XL Foods plant in Alberta at the center of a major E.coli-tainted beef recall has been allowed to resume some operations “under continued strict conditions.”

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the plant has started cutting and processing the 5,100 beef carcasses that are in the plant, all have been tested for E.coli. No product will be allowed to leave the facility until the CFIA “has confirmed in writing to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food that plant controls are effectively and consistently managing E. coli risks.”

The plant was shut-down on September 27th, since then it has been cleaned, sanitized and issues concerning condensation, drainage and ice-buildup have been addressed. CFIA says the limited resumption of activity at the plant will allow officials “to fully assess the facility’s E. coli safeguards in action.”

A problem was first discovered by U.S. officials on September 3rd and imports from the plant were halted on September 13th. The initial recall was issued on September 16th and it has expanded numerous times to now include more than 20 countries.